This study was conducted with the aim of finding humic acid and crop residues effects on soil and wheat nitrogen at New Development Farm, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during winter 2009-2010. The expe...This study was conducted with the aim of finding humic acid and crop residues effects on soil and wheat nitrogen at New Development Farm, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during winter 2009-2010. The experiment was laid out in RCB design having four replications. Different levels (1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 kg ha-1) of Humic acid were applied at sowing time. Mungbean (5 tons ha-1), wheat straw (10 tons ha-1) and mungbean (2.5 tons ha-1) + wheat straw (5 tons ha-1) were incorporated 30 days before sowing. Our results showed higher mineral and total nitrogen (7.32 and 0.43, respectively) mg kg-1 in soil and also higher nitrogen in stem, leaves and grains (2.3, 4.6 and 21.1, respectively) mg kg-1 at maturity in those plots in which 2.5 kg ha-1 of humic acid was applied. Higher mineral and total nitrogen (7.04 and 0.5, respectively) mg kg-1 in soil and also higher nitrogen in leaves (5.5) mg kg-1 at pre-anthesis, while at maturity stage in stem, leaves and grain (5.5, 2.1, 4.2 and 20.8) g kg-1 was recorded in those plots in which 5 tons ha-1 mung bean was incorporated. Our experimental results suggest the use of 5 tons ha-1 of mungbean residues with 2.5 kg ha-1 of humic acid to improve soil fertility availability of more nitrogen in wheat plants to increase the crop yield and grains quality.展开更多
Fungi are an understudied,biotechnologically valuable group of organisms.Due to the immense range of habitats that fungi inhabit,and the consequent need to compete against a diverse array of other fungi,bacteria,and a...Fungi are an understudied,biotechnologically valuable group of organisms.Due to the immense range of habitats that fungi inhabit,and the consequent need to compete against a diverse array of other fungi,bacteria,and animals,fungi have developed numerous survival mechanisms.The unique attributes of fungi thus herald great promise for their application in biotechnology and industry.Moreover,fungi can be grown with relative ease,making production at scale viable.The search for fungal biodiversity,and the construction of a living fungi collection,both have incredible economic potential in locating organisms with novel industrial uses that will lead to novel products.This manuscript reviews fifty ways in which fungi can potentially be utilized as biotechnology.We provide notes and examples for each potential exploitation and give examples from our own work and the work of other notable researchers.We also provide a flow chart that can be used to convince funding bodies of the importance of fungi for biotechnological research and as potential products.Fungi have provided the world with penicillin,lovastatin,and other globally significant medicines,and they remain an untapped resource with enormous industrial potential.展开更多
Phosphorus （P） and zinc （Zn） deficiencies are the major problems that decrease crop productivity under rice-wheat cropping system. Field experiments were conducted to investigate impacts of P （0, 40, 80 and 120 k...Phosphorus （P） and zinc （Zn） deficiencies are the major problems that decrease crop productivity under rice-wheat cropping system. Field experiments were conducted to investigate impacts of P （0, 40, 80 and 120 kg/hm^2） and Zn levels （0, 5, 10 and 15 kg/hm^2） on dry matter （DM） accumulation and partitioning, and harvest index of three rice genotypes ＇fine （Bamati-385） vs. coarse （F-Malakand and Pukhraj）＇ at various growth stages （tiliering, heading and physiological maturity）. The experiments were conducted at farmers＇ field at Batkhela in Northwestern Pakistan for two years in summer 2011 and 2012. The two year pooled data reveled that there were no differences in percent of DM partitioning into leaves and culms with application of different P and Zn levels, and genotypes at tillering. The highest P level （120 kg/hm^2） partitioned more DM into panicles than leaves and culms at heading and physiological maturity stages. The highest Zn level （15 kg/hm^2） accumulated more DM and partitioned more DM into panicles than leaves and culms at heading and physiological maturity stages. The hybrid rice （Pukhraj） produced and partitioned more DM into panicles than F-Malakand and Bamati-385 at heading and physiological maturity stages. Higher DM accumulation and greater amounts of partitioning into panicles at heading and physiological maturity stages was noticed with increase in P and Zn levels, and the increase was significantly higher in the coarse rice genotypes than fine. We concluded that the growing hybrid rice with application of 120 kg/hm^2 P ＋ 15 kg/hm^2 Zn not only increases total DM accumulation and partitioned greater amounts into the reproductive plant parts （panicles） but also results in higher harvest index.展开更多
Agricultural areas of land are deteriorating every day owing to population increase, rapid urbanization, and industrialization. To feed today’s huge populations, increased crop production is required from smaller are...Agricultural areas of land are deteriorating every day owing to population increase, rapid urbanization, and industrialization. To feed today’s huge populations, increased crop production is required from smaller areas, which warrants the continuous application of high doses of inorganic fertilizers to agricultural land. These cause damage to soil health and, therefore, nutrient imbalance conditions in arable soils. Under these conditions, the benefits of microbial inoculants (such as Actinobacteria) as replacements for harmful chemicals and promoting ecofriendly sustainable farming practices have been made clear through recent technological advances. There are multifunctional traits involved in the production of different types of bioactive compounds responsible for plant growth promotion, and the biocontrol of phytopathogens has reduced the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. There are some well-known groups of nitrogen-fixing Actinobacteria, such as Frankia, which undergo mutualism with plants and offer enhanced symbiotic trade-offs.In addition to nitrogen fixation, increasing availability of major plant nutrients in soil due to the solubilization of immobilized forms of phosphorus and potassium compounds, production of phytohormones, such as indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-pyruvic acid, gibberellins, and cytokinins, improving organic matter decomposition by releasing cellulases, xylanase, glucanases, lipases, and proteases, and suppression of soil-borne pathogens by the production of siderophores, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and chitinase are important features of Actinobacteria useful for combating biotic and abiotic stresses in plants.The positive influence of Actinobacteria on soil fertility and plant health has motivated us to compile this review of important findings associated with sustaining plant productivity in the long run.展开更多
Potassium(K) and phosphorus(P) applications improve growth,increase yield and yield components of sunflower(Helianthus annuus L.) on K and P deficient soils in Northwest Pakistan.A field experiment was conducted using...Potassium(K) and phosphorus(P) applications improve growth,increase yield and yield components of sunflower(Helianthus annuus L.) on K and P deficient soils in Northwest Pakistan.A field experiment was conducted using sunflower cv.Hysun-33 at the New Developmental Research Farm of KPK Agricultural University,Peshawar,Pakistan,during summer 2006.The experimental design was a randomized complete block in split plot arrangements,with six levels of K(0,25,50,75,100,and 125 kg K ha-1) as main plots and four levels of P(0,45,90,and 135 kg P ha-1) as sub-plots with three replications.Sunflower yield and yield components responded positively to K and P fertilization but the magnitude of response varied with the levels of K and P.Days to flowering and maturity,grains per head,1000-grain weight,shelling percentage,and grain yield increased tremendously in the K and P-fertilized plots as compared to the control with no K and P applied.The combined application of 100 kg K and 45 kg P ha-1 significantly increased yield components,grain yield,harvest index,and shelling percentage of sunflower,suggesting that 100 kg K ha-1 in combination with 45 kg P ha-1 could maximize productivity of sunflower planted after wheat on the K and P deficient soils in the study area.展开更多
Strigolactones （SLs） are known not only as plant hormones, but also as rhizosphere signals for establishing symbiotic and parasitic interactions. The design of new specific SL analogs is a challenging goal in unders...Strigolactones （SLs） are known not only as plant hormones, but also as rhizosphere signals for establishing symbiotic and parasitic interactions. The design of new specific SL analogs is a challenging goal in understanding the basic plant biology and is also useful to control plant architectures without favoring the development of parasitic plants. Two different molecules （23 （3＇-methyI-GR24）, 31 （thia-3＇-methyl-debranone-like molecule）） already described, and a new one （AR36）, for which the synthesis is presented, are biologically compared with the well-known GR24 and the recently identified CISA-1. These different structures emphasize the wide range of parts attached to the D-ring for the bioactivity as a plant hormone. These new compounds possess a common dimethylbutenolide motif but their structure varies in the ABC part of the molecules： 23 has the same ABC part as GR24, while 31 and AR36 carry, respectively, an aromatic ring and an acyclic carbon chain. Detailed information is given for the bioactivity of such derivatives in strigolactone synthesis or in perception mutant plants （pea rmsl and rms4, Arabidopsis max2 and, max4） for different hormonal functions along with their action in the rhizosphere on arbuscular mycorrhizal hyphal growth and parasitic weed germination.展开更多
Biochar(BC)has gained attention for removal of toxic elements(TEs)from aqueous media;however,pristine biochar often exhibits low adsorption capability.Thus,various modification strategies in BC have been developed to ...Biochar(BC)has gained attention for removal of toxic elements(TEs)from aqueous media;however,pristine biochar often exhibits low adsorption capability.Thus,various modification strategies in BC have been developed to improve its removal capability against TEs.Nanoscale zero-valent iron(nZVI)and iron oxides(FeOx)have been used as sorbents for TE removal.However,these materials are prone to agglomeration and also expensive,which make their usage limited for large-scale applications.The nZVI technical demerits could be resolved by the development of BC-based composite sorbents through the loading of nZVI or FeOx onto BC surface.Nano zero-valent iron modified BC(nZVIBC),FeOx-modified BC(FeOxBC)have attracted attention for their capability in removing pollutants from the aqueous phases.Nonetheless,a potential use of nZVIBC and FeOxBC for TE removal from aqueous environments has not been well-realized or reviewed.As such,this article reviews:(i)the preparation and characterization of nZVIBC and FeOxBC;(ii)the capacity of nZVIBC and FeOxBC for TE retention in line with their physicochemical properties,and(iii)TE removal mechanisms by nZVIBC and FeOxBC.Adopting nZVI and FeOx in BC increases its sporptive capability of TEs due to surface modifications in morphology,functional groups,and elemental composition.The combined effects of BC and nZVI,FeOx or Fe salts on the sorption of TEs are complex because they are very specific to TEs.This review identified significant opportunities for research and technol-ogy advancement of nZVIBC and FeOxBC as novel and effective sorbents for the remediation of TEs contaminated water.展开更多
In 2008, the very extensive tropical peats were estimated to be about 182 million ha spanning South America, Asia and Africa. About 20.3%(36.9 million ha) of this area exist in Asia. Peats are classified based on thei...In 2008, the very extensive tropical peats were estimated to be about 182 million ha spanning South America, Asia and Africa. About 20.3%(36.9 million ha) of this area exist in Asia. Peats are classified based on their degree of decomposition, namely Fibrists, Hemists, Saprists and Folists. This makes them different in characteristics. The activities of microorganisms vary in different types of peat due to, for example, the sapric layer of well humified peat can provide water and food to microorganisms during heat stress. In another scenario, deeper peat is older and typically has lower levels of labile carbon to provide substrate for microbes compared to surface peat. A complete understanding of the microbial communities in different layers of peat is essential as microorganisms play major roles in peat decomposition and are important to ecosystem processes. These peats are a very important global carbon(C)store or reserve and could severely impact climate change if not managed well. Peatlands can store as much as 40 to 90 Gt C. Mis-management of peats could severely impact the environment particularly the emission of carbon into the atmosphere. For instance, clearing of peatlands using fire has been reported to release an estimated 88 t C ha^(-1) to the atmosphere. There are several factors which influence the environmental consequences of tropical peat especially in relation to climate change. The main influences are:(i) changes in temperature,(ii) changes in precipitation or rainfall,(iii) changes in atmospheric composition, and(iv) fire and haze. This paper is a brief review on these four influences in relation to climate change. It is apparent from the brief review that there is a need for continued short and long-term research to better understand tropical peats and how they affect our climate. This will hopefully provide the basis for predicting better what could happen under various scenarios.展开更多
Globally,salinity is a brutal environmental constraint that poses a major threat to agriculture worldwide,causing nutrient imbalances and oxidative stress,leading to reduced crop yields and quality.Date palm waste fro...Globally,salinity is a brutal environmental constraint that poses a major threat to agriculture worldwide,causing nutrient imbalances and oxidative stress,leading to reduced crop yields and quality.Date palm waste from the agro-industry is a major environmental problem,but its conversion to biochar for soil amendment could help alleviate the effects of salinity stress.Pepper is a commonly grown horticultural crop that is sensitive to salinity.That’s why the current experiment was conducted with the novel idea of exploring the potential use of biochar-based fertilizer derived from date palm waste as a mitigation strategy for salinity-related problems in pepper.The study was conducted as a pot experiment in a growth chamber under controlled conditions.The experiment con-sisted of four treatment groups:Control(no salinity stress);BM350E(biochar application only);NaCl(salinity stress without biochar application);BM350E+NaCl(combined biochar and salinity stress application).The soil was amended with biochar at a concentration of 3 g kg^(-1) soil and pepper seedlings were exposed to salinity stress with 150 mM NaCl for seven days.The morphological,biochemical,and physiological responses were then eval-uated.The use of BM350E biochar significantly improved plant growth under saline conditions,increasing shoot fresh weight by 9.41%,root fresh weight by 15.32%,shoot length by 5.22%,and root length by 12.57%.It also increased chlorophyll a(Chl.a)by 8.28%,chlorophyll b(Chl.b)by 80.20%,and carotenoids(Car)by 52.43%while increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.In conclusion,BM350E biochar has the potential to effectively mitigate the negative effects of salinity on pepper growth.展开更多
Sprouts are ready-to-eat and are recognized worldwide as functional components of the human diet.Recent advances in innovative agricultural techniques could enable an increase in the production of healthy food.The use...Sprouts are ready-to-eat and are recognized worldwide as functional components of the human diet.Recent advances in innovative agricultural techniques could enable an increase in the production of healthy food.The use of light-emitting diode(LED)in indoor agricultural production could alter the biological feedback loop,increasing the functional benefits of plant foods such as wheat and lentil sprouts and promoting the bioavailability of nutrients.The effects of white(W),red(R),and blue(B)light were investigated on the growth parameters and nutritional value of wheat and lentil sprouts.In the laboratory,seeds were sown under three different LED treat-ments:white,red,and blue light,while normal incandescent light served as a control.Percentage seed germina-tion improved by 18.34%and 12.67%for wheat and 18.34%and 12.67%for lentil sprouts under LED treatments R and B,respectively.An increase in total soluble protein and sugar by 33.4%and 9.23%in wheat and by 31.5%and 5.87%in lentils was observed under the R LED treatment.Vitamin C concentrations in wheat and lentils were significantly increased by R LED compared to all other treatments.Other parameters,including potassium and sodium concentrations,were significantly increased under red and blue light compared to the control;white light,on the other hand,significantly decreased all these parameters.According to the experimental data,red and blue LED light could be beneficial in the production of functional wheat and lentil sprouts with high nutrient concentrations.展开更多
Field experiments were conducted at Cereal Crops Research Institute, Pirsabak, Nowshera, Pakistan, during winter 2003～2004; 2004～2005 to evaluate the effect of nitrogen; sulfur levels; methods of nitrogen applicatio...Field experiments were conducted at Cereal Crops Research Institute, Pirsabak, Nowshera, Pakistan, during winter 2003～2004; 2004～2005 to evaluate the effect of nitrogen; sulfur levels; methods of nitrogen application on canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Bulbul-98) under rainfed conditions. Four levels of S (0, 10, 20,; 30 kg/ha); three levels of N (40, 60,; 80 kg/ha); a control treatment with both nutrients at zero level were included in the experiments. Sulfur levels were applied at sowing while N levels were applied by three methods (100% soil application, 90% soil+10% foliar application,; 80% soil +20% foliar application). The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block (RCB) design having four replications. Oil content increased significantly up to 20 kg S/ha but further increase in S level did not enhance oil content. Glucosinolate content increased from 13.6 to 24.6 μmol/g as S rate was increased from 0 to 30 kg/ha. Protein content increased from 22.4% to 23.2% as S rate was increased from 0 to 20 kg/ha. Oil content responded negatively to the increasing N levels. The highest N level resulted in the highest values for protein (23.5%); glucosinolate (19.9 μmol/g) contents. Methods of N application had no significant impact on any parameters under study.展开更多
Background:Selective grazing creates stable patches of contrasting sward height,thereby providing different growth conditions for the grass sward above and below ground and potentially affecting soil organic carbon(SO...Background:Selective grazing creates stable patches of contrasting sward height,thereby providing different growth conditions for the grass sward above and below ground and potentially affecting soil organic carbon(SOC)stocks.We hypothesized that the presence of patches leads to greater spatial variability in belowground biomass(BGB)and SOC stocks than occurs between pastures managed under different stocking intensities.Methods:A long-term grazing experiment consisting of three stocking intensities was used for this study.We studied BGB,SOC,and soil total nitrogen(Ntot)stocks in the 0-15 cm soil depth.Shannon diversity of plant species,soil bulk density,soil phosphorus,potassium,and magnesium contents were considered.Results:There were no significant effects of patch or stocking intensity on BGB,SOC,and Ntot stocks.Short patches had a greater Shannon diversity than tall patches(p<0.05)and plant-available nutrients in soil correlated positively with sward height(p<0.05).Conclusions:We conclude from the current results and previous studies that higher plant species diversity with lower soil nutrient contents in short-patch areas and higher nutrient contents together with light competition in tall-patch areas might balance each other out with respect to BGB and SOC stocks.展开更多
After wheat,rice,maize,and barley,sorghum is the fifth most widely grown cereal on the planet.Due to its high production,drought resistance,and heat tolerance,this crop is replacing maize in some areas.Sorghum is avai...After wheat,rice,maize,and barley,sorghum is the fifth most widely grown cereal on the planet.Due to its high production,drought resistance,and heat tolerance,this crop is replacing maize in some areas.Sorghum is available in a variety of colors,including cream,lemon-yellow,red,and even black.The principal grain anatomical components are pericarp,germ or embryo and endosperm.This review provides an overview of key sorghum grain components,including starches,fiber,proteins,lipids,and vitamins.Also,we summarized phenolic compounds,flavonoids,tannins,carotenoids,vitamin E,amines,Policosanols and Phytosterols in sorghum grains.Sorghum is used to manufacture bread and porridge,and it provides a significant source of energy and nutrition for humans;sorghum is extensively farmed for animal feed.However,because the natural components in sorghum are useful in the development of healthy and functional foods,sorghum farming for both biofuel production and human consumption is gaining popularity.Pigmented sorghum grain is high in antioxidants such as polyphenols,primarily tannins,which have a variety of health benefits,including antiproliferative properties linked to the prevention of certain cancers,antioxidant activities linked to the prevention of diseases linked to oxidative stress,and anti-inflammatory effects,as well as improving glucose metabolism.Because these chemicals cannot be assimilated,their application in the food business has been limited,as sorghum is regarded as a lownutritional grain due to the presence of anti-nutritional components such as strong tannins,which form complexes with proteins and iron,limiting their digestibility.This review aims to show the utilization of sorghum as a source of bioactive chemicals and the value they bestow on human health due to the general biological potential it possesses.展开更多
Various microorganisms live in association with different parts of plants and can be harmful,neutral,or beneficial to plant health.Some microbial inhabitants of plants can control plant diseases by contesting with,pre...Various microorganisms live in association with different parts of plants and can be harmful,neutral,or beneficial to plant health.Some microbial inhabitants of plants can control plant diseases by contesting with,predating on,or antagonizing plant pathogens and by inducing systems for plant defense.A range of methods,including plant growth-promoting microorganisms(PGPMs)as biological control agents(BCAs)(BCA-PGPMs)are used for the biological management and control of plant pathogens.Some BCAs interact with plants by inducing resistance or priming plants without direct interaction with the pathogen.Other BCAs operate via nutrient competition or other mechanisms to modulate the growth conditions for the pathogen.Generally,PGPMs can be applied alone or together with other chemicals or carriers to control various crop diseases.This review highlights the effective types of BCA-PGPMs and their applications,roles,carrier based-formulations,and responses to rice(Oryza sativa L.)pathogens.Future plant disease management prospects are promising,and growers’increasing demand for BCA-PGPM products can be exploited as an effective approach to the management of plant diseases,as well as to improve yield,environmental protection,biological resources,and agricultural system sustainability.展开更多
The role of insects in animal nutrition has been reconsidered during recent years,paving the way for an increasing market for edible insects.Their protein and amino acid balance make them a promising source of protein...The role of insects in animal nutrition has been reconsidered during recent years,paving the way for an increasing market for edible insects.Their protein and amino acid balance make them a promising source of protein for replacing high value proteins.Yellow mealworm,Tenebrio molitor L.(TM;Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae)larvae,have shown positive effects on broiler performance in several research studies and have a strong potential as a sustainable alternative protein source for monogastric animals.This study aimed to assess the effect of replacing various ratios of basal diets with T.molitor larvae on broiler performance as well as on several meat and welfare characteristics.For the study,120 one-day-old male chicks(Ross 308)were randomly allocated in 3 treatments and 4 replications(10 birds per pen).Birds of the control group(basal diet)were fed with typical commercial maize and soymeal-based rations in mash form.The other 2 groups were treated with the same diet,after replacing 5%and 10%with dried TM larvae,respectively.On d 35(end of trial),meat samples were collected and analysed.Body weight,feed intake,body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the periods of 1 to 10 d(starter period),11 to 24 d(grower period),25 to 35 d(finisher period)and 1 to 35 d(total period)were assessed.Podo-dermatitis,diarrhoea,feather score and litter conditions were also assessed during the trial.The results indicated that TM larvae inclusion in the broilers'diet positively affected body weight gain values,as well as the carcass yield,the meat composition and various welfare traits.Additionally,the dietary treatments with TM larvae favourably affected meat composition and colour parameters,whereas there were also some positive effects on lipid and protein oxidation.Saturated fatty acids were decreased by the dietary supplementation whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acids to SFA ratio increased.In general,the study showed that whole TM larvae addition can provide a promising alternative to soybean meal in the diet of broilers,demo展开更多
Drought is a major production constraint for major fruits and vegetable crops in the tropics. This study was conducted to in- vestigate the effect of limited water supply at three growth stages （vegetative, flowering...Drought is a major production constraint for major fruits and vegetable crops in the tropics. This study was conducted to in- vestigate the effect of limited water supply at three growth stages （vegetative, flowering and fruiting） on the accumulation of proline and soluble sugars in three pepper species. Seeds of the three pepper species, Capsicum chinense Jacq., C. annuum L. and C. frutescens L. were raised in a nursery and the seedlings were transplanted into seventy two plastic pots arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates, 25 days after planting. Four water treatments, 200 mL of water supplied twice daily （W1）, once in every three days （W2）, once in every five days （W3）, and zero water supplied throughout growing period （W0） were imposed at three vegetative, flowering, and fruiting growth stages. Data were collected on relative water content, free proline and total soluble sugar. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using Duncan＇s multiple range test. Results show that the concentration ofproline and soluble sugar in leaves of the three pepper species were found to be remarkable at the different stages of growth in the stressed plants.展开更多
Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) wastes produced by Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. fed Azolla, an aquatic atmospheric nitrogen fixing fern, was evaluated for 90 days in pond experiment. Six isonitrogenous (29.2%...Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) wastes produced by Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. fed Azolla, an aquatic atmospheric nitrogen fixing fern, was evaluated for 90 days in pond experiment. Six isonitrogenous (29.2% crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.9 Kj·g–1) diets A0, A10, A20, A30, A40 and A50, containing 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% of Azolla meal (AM) respectively, as partial fishmeal (FM) substitutes, was provided to experimental fish. The Azolla-free diet A0 served as a control. Fish specific growth rate (SGR) was higher with the control diet, the lower values being obtained in A50-fed fish (P Azolla could be used in diet to sustain Nile tilapia growth and as “environmentally-friendly” ingredient to limit P loss, while providing N to the field, beneficially in tropical marshland pond where this nutrient is already limiting.展开更多
Forest fire risk estimation constitutes an essential process to prevent high-intensity fires which are associated with severe implications to the natural and cultural environment. The primary aim of this research was ...Forest fire risk estimation constitutes an essential process to prevent high-intensity fires which are associated with severe implications to the natural and cultural environment. The primary aim of this research was to determine fire risk levels based on the local features of an island,namely, the impact of fuel structures, slope, aspects, as well as the impact of the road network and inhabited regions. The contribution of all the involved factors to forest fires ignition and behavior highlight certain regions which are highly vulnerable. In addition, the influence of both natural and anthropogenic factors to forest fire phenomena is explored. In this study, natural factors play a dominant role compared to anthropogenic factors. Hence essential preventative measures must focus on specific areas and established immediately. Indicative measures may include: the optimal allocation of watchtowers as well as the spatial optimization of mobile firefighting vehicles;and, forest fuel treatments in areas characterized by extremely high fire risk. The added value of this fire prediction tool is that it is highly flexible and could be adopted elsewhere with the necessary adjustments to local characteristics.展开更多
Ecosystem disturbances, such as wildfires, are driving forces that determine ecology and conservation measures. Species respond differentially to wildfires, having diverse post-fire population evolution. This study re...Ecosystem disturbances, such as wildfires, are driving forces that determine ecology and conservation measures. Species respond differentially to wildfires, having diverse post-fire population evolution. This study reports, for first time, the responses of brown hare （Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778） to wildfires. Hare relative abundance, age ratio, diet quality, body condition, and diseases were studied. Fire influence on vegetation was calculated at a micro-scale level. Hare abundance was lower the first year after wildfires in burned relative to unburned areas. The reverse was found in the second year when hare abundance was higher in burned areas. Hare abundance in burned areas was also higher in the third and fourth years. In the fifth and sixth years after wildfire no significant difference was found in abundance. At a micro-scale level, higher numbers of hare feces were counted in places with greater wildfire influence on vegetation. Age ratio analysis revealed more juveniles in burned areas, but the same number of neonates in burned and unburned areas, indicating lower mortality of juveniles in burned areas. Reduced predation in burned areas pro- vides the most plausible explanation for our findings.展开更多
Fruit extracts of indigenous Melia azedarach were tested for their insecticidal bioactivity against the tomato leafminer(Tuta absoluta)under laboratory conditions.Tomato plants were exposed to moths,after/before appli...Fruit extracts of indigenous Melia azedarach were tested for their insecticidal bioactivity against the tomato leafminer(Tuta absoluta)under laboratory conditions.Tomato plants were exposed to moths,after/before application of treatments.Treatments included:crushed fruit extracts of water(500,000 ppm and 200,000 ppm),methanol and ethyl acetate(200,000 ppm)with and without mineral oil(2%);M.azedarach powder extracts(2,000 ppm)in different solvents:water,methanol,ethanol,ethyl acetate,hexane and chloroform;biorational products:neem oil,mineral oil,micronized sulfur and thyme oil.The released moths were removed from treated/untreated plants at 72 h and effect of treatments on adults,eggs,larvae and pupae were recorded.Results indicated that sulfur caused the lowest number of live moths to be present on treated plants and was not significantly different in its effect from that of M.azedarach extracts and neem oil.Aqueous extracts without and with oil caused the highest%of dry eggs and were comparable to neem oil.Extracts in the two formulations(crushed fruits and/or powder)caused significant direct effects on immature instars:eggs,early larval instars and pupae.M.azedarach extracts and the tested products also caused indirect effect in form of significant decrease in number of developing the 3rd larval instars and new emerging moths compared to the control.Consecutive sprays of these extracts against eggs,larvae and pupae on same treated plants lead to very low number of moths for a second generation of the pest which contributes to low buildup of pest population in a tomato crop.展开更多
文摘This study was conducted with the aim of finding humic acid and crop residues effects on soil and wheat nitrogen at New Development Farm, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during winter 2009-2010. The experiment was laid out in RCB design having four replications. Different levels (1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 kg ha-1) of Humic acid were applied at sowing time. Mungbean (5 tons ha-1), wheat straw (10 tons ha-1) and mungbean (2.5 tons ha-1) + wheat straw (5 tons ha-1) were incorporated 30 days before sowing. Our results showed higher mineral and total nitrogen (7.32 and 0.43, respectively) mg kg-1 in soil and also higher nitrogen in stem, leaves and grains (2.3, 4.6 and 21.1, respectively) mg kg-1 at maturity in those plots in which 2.5 kg ha-1 of humic acid was applied. Higher mineral and total nitrogen (7.04 and 0.5, respectively) mg kg-1 in soil and also higher nitrogen in leaves (5.5) mg kg-1 at pre-anthesis, while at maturity stage in stem, leaves and grain (5.5, 2.1, 4.2 and 20.8) g kg-1 was recorded in those plots in which 5 tons ha-1 mung bean was incorporated. Our experimental results suggest the use of 5 tons ha-1 of mungbean residues with 2.5 kg ha-1 of humic acid to improve soil fertility availability of more nitrogen in wheat plants to increase the crop yield and grains quality.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,Grant No.XDB31000000Naritsada Thongklang would like to thank Thailand research fund grants“Study of saprobic Agaricales in Thailand to find new industrial mushroom products”(Grant No.DBG6180015)+6 种基金Mae Fah Luang University grant“Optimal conditions for domestication and biological activities of selected species of Ganoderrma”(Grant No.621C1535)K.D.Hyde and Naritsada Thongklang would like to thanks to Thailand research fund grants“Domestication and bioactive evaluation of Thai Hymenopellis,Oudemansiella,Xerula and Volvariella species(basidiomycetes)”(Grant No.DBG6180033)K.D.Hyde thanks the financial support from the Visiting Professor grant at Chiang Mai University,Thailand and KIB.The authors acknowledge the contribution of M.M.Vasanthakumari,K.M.Manasa and P.Rajani,in various stages of preparation of the manuscript.Samantha C.Karunarathna thanks CAS President’s International Fellowship Initiative(PIFI)for funding his postdoctoral research(Number 2018PC0006)the National Science Foundation.Associate Professor R Jeewon thanks University of Mauritius for support.Binu C.Samarakoon offers her sincere gratitude to the“National Research Council of Thailand”(NRCT Grant No.256108A3070006)for the financial supportPeter E Mortimer would like to thank the National Science Foundation of China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences for financial support under the following Grants:41761144055,41771063,Y4ZK111B01M.Doilom would like to thank Chiang Mai University,the 5th batch of Postdoctoral Orientation Training Personnel in Yunnan Province and the 64th batch of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation.T.S.Suryanarayanan thanks the United States-India Educational Foundation(USIEF)New Delhi and the Fulbright Scholar Program(USA)for the award of a Fulbright-Nehru Senior Researcher grant to conduct research in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,The Ohio State University,USA.Thanks to Research and Researchers for Industri
文摘Fungi are an understudied,biotechnologically valuable group of organisms.Due to the immense range of habitats that fungi inhabit,and the consequent need to compete against a diverse array of other fungi,bacteria,and animals,fungi have developed numerous survival mechanisms.The unique attributes of fungi thus herald great promise for their application in biotechnology and industry.Moreover,fungi can be grown with relative ease,making production at scale viable.The search for fungal biodiversity,and the construction of a living fungi collection,both have incredible economic potential in locating organisms with novel industrial uses that will lead to novel products.This manuscript reviews fifty ways in which fungi can potentially be utilized as biotechnology.We provide notes and examples for each potential exploitation and give examples from our own work and the work of other notable researchers.We also provide a flow chart that can be used to convince funding bodies of the importance of fungi for biotechnological research and as potential products.Fungi have provided the world with penicillin,lovastatin,and other globally significant medicines,and they remain an untapped resource with enormous industrial potential.
文摘Phosphorus （P） and zinc （Zn） deficiencies are the major problems that decrease crop productivity under rice-wheat cropping system. Field experiments were conducted to investigate impacts of P （0, 40, 80 and 120 kg/hm^2） and Zn levels （0, 5, 10 and 15 kg/hm^2） on dry matter （DM） accumulation and partitioning, and harvest index of three rice genotypes ＇fine （Bamati-385） vs. coarse （F-Malakand and Pukhraj）＇ at various growth stages （tiliering, heading and physiological maturity）. The experiments were conducted at farmers＇ field at Batkhela in Northwestern Pakistan for two years in summer 2011 and 2012. The two year pooled data reveled that there were no differences in percent of DM partitioning into leaves and culms with application of different P and Zn levels, and genotypes at tillering. The highest P level （120 kg/hm^2） partitioned more DM into panicles than leaves and culms at heading and physiological maturity stages. The highest Zn level （15 kg/hm^2） accumulated more DM and partitioned more DM into panicles than leaves and culms at heading and physiological maturity stages. The hybrid rice （Pukhraj） produced and partitioned more DM into panicles than F-Malakand and Bamati-385 at heading and physiological maturity stages. Higher DM accumulation and greater amounts of partitioning into panicles at heading and physiological maturity stages was noticed with increase in P and Zn levels, and the increase was significantly higher in the coarse rice genotypes than fine. We concluded that the growing hybrid rice with application of 120 kg/hm^2 P ＋ 15 kg/hm^2 Zn not only increases total DM accumulation and partitioned greater amounts into the reproductive plant parts （panicles） but also results in higher harvest index.
文摘Agricultural areas of land are deteriorating every day owing to population increase, rapid urbanization, and industrialization. To feed today’s huge populations, increased crop production is required from smaller areas, which warrants the continuous application of high doses of inorganic fertilizers to agricultural land. These cause damage to soil health and, therefore, nutrient imbalance conditions in arable soils. Under these conditions, the benefits of microbial inoculants (such as Actinobacteria) as replacements for harmful chemicals and promoting ecofriendly sustainable farming practices have been made clear through recent technological advances. There are multifunctional traits involved in the production of different types of bioactive compounds responsible for plant growth promotion, and the biocontrol of phytopathogens has reduced the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. There are some well-known groups of nitrogen-fixing Actinobacteria, such as Frankia, which undergo mutualism with plants and offer enhanced symbiotic trade-offs.In addition to nitrogen fixation, increasing availability of major plant nutrients in soil due to the solubilization of immobilized forms of phosphorus and potassium compounds, production of phytohormones, such as indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-pyruvic acid, gibberellins, and cytokinins, improving organic matter decomposition by releasing cellulases, xylanase, glucanases, lipases, and proteases, and suppression of soil-borne pathogens by the production of siderophores, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and chitinase are important features of Actinobacteria useful for combating biotic and abiotic stresses in plants.The positive influence of Actinobacteria on soil fertility and plant health has motivated us to compile this review of important findings associated with sustaining plant productivity in the long run.
文摘Potassium(K) and phosphorus(P) applications improve growth,increase yield and yield components of sunflower(Helianthus annuus L.) on K and P deficient soils in Northwest Pakistan.A field experiment was conducted using sunflower cv.Hysun-33 at the New Developmental Research Farm of KPK Agricultural University,Peshawar,Pakistan,during summer 2006.The experimental design was a randomized complete block in split plot arrangements,with six levels of K(0,25,50,75,100,and 125 kg K ha-1) as main plots and four levels of P(0,45,90,and 135 kg P ha-1) as sub-plots with three replications.Sunflower yield and yield components responded positively to K and P fertilization but the magnitude of response varied with the levels of K and P.Days to flowering and maturity,grains per head,1000-grain weight,shelling percentage,and grain yield increased tremendously in the K and P-fertilized plots as compared to the control with no K and P applied.The combined application of 100 kg K and 45 kg P ha-1 significantly increased yield components,grain yield,harvest index,and shelling percentage of sunflower,suggesting that 100 kg K ha-1 in combination with 45 kg P ha-1 could maximize productivity of sunflower planted after wheat on the K and P deficient soils in the study area.
文摘Strigolactones （SLs） are known not only as plant hormones, but also as rhizosphere signals for establishing symbiotic and parasitic interactions. The design of new specific SL analogs is a challenging goal in understanding the basic plant biology and is also useful to control plant architectures without favoring the development of parasitic plants. Two different molecules （23 （3＇-methyI-GR24）, 31 （thia-3＇-methyl-debranone-like molecule）） already described, and a new one （AR36）, for which the synthesis is presented, are biologically compared with the well-known GR24 and the recently identified CISA-1. These different structures emphasize the wide range of parts attached to the D-ring for the bioactivity as a plant hormone. These new compounds possess a common dimethylbutenolide motif but their structure varies in the ABC part of the molecules： 23 has the same ABC part as GR24, while 31 and AR36 carry, respectively, an aromatic ring and an acyclic carbon chain. Detailed information is given for the bioactivity of such derivatives in strigolactone synthesis or in perception mutant plants （pea rmsl and rms4, Arabidopsis max2 and, max4） for different hormonal functions along with their action in the rhizosphere on arbuscular mycorrhizal hyphal growth and parasitic weed germination.
文摘Biochar(BC)has gained attention for removal of toxic elements(TEs)from aqueous media;however,pristine biochar often exhibits low adsorption capability.Thus,various modification strategies in BC have been developed to improve its removal capability against TEs.Nanoscale zero-valent iron(nZVI)and iron oxides(FeOx)have been used as sorbents for TE removal.However,these materials are prone to agglomeration and also expensive,which make their usage limited for large-scale applications.The nZVI technical demerits could be resolved by the development of BC-based composite sorbents through the loading of nZVI or FeOx onto BC surface.Nano zero-valent iron modified BC(nZVIBC),FeOx-modified BC(FeOxBC)have attracted attention for their capability in removing pollutants from the aqueous phases.Nonetheless,a potential use of nZVIBC and FeOxBC for TE removal from aqueous environments has not been well-realized or reviewed.As such,this article reviews:(i)the preparation and characterization of nZVIBC and FeOxBC;(ii)the capacity of nZVIBC and FeOxBC for TE retention in line with their physicochemical properties,and(iii)TE removal mechanisms by nZVIBC and FeOxBC.Adopting nZVI and FeOx in BC increases its sporptive capability of TEs due to surface modifications in morphology,functional groups,and elemental composition.The combined effects of BC and nZVI,FeOx or Fe salts on the sorption of TEs are complex because they are very specific to TEs.This review identified significant opportunities for research and technol-ogy advancement of nZVIBC and FeOxBC as novel and effective sorbents for the remediation of TEs contaminated water.
基金Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, and Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia for the continued support in our research work related to peats through Putra Grant (9439100)Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (5524983)
文摘In 2008, the very extensive tropical peats were estimated to be about 182 million ha spanning South America, Asia and Africa. About 20.3%(36.9 million ha) of this area exist in Asia. Peats are classified based on their degree of decomposition, namely Fibrists, Hemists, Saprists and Folists. This makes them different in characteristics. The activities of microorganisms vary in different types of peat due to, for example, the sapric layer of well humified peat can provide water and food to microorganisms during heat stress. In another scenario, deeper peat is older and typically has lower levels of labile carbon to provide substrate for microbes compared to surface peat. A complete understanding of the microbial communities in different layers of peat is essential as microorganisms play major roles in peat decomposition and are important to ecosystem processes. These peats are a very important global carbon(C)store or reserve and could severely impact climate change if not managed well. Peatlands can store as much as 40 to 90 Gt C. Mis-management of peats could severely impact the environment particularly the emission of carbon into the atmosphere. For instance, clearing of peatlands using fire has been reported to release an estimated 88 t C ha^(-1) to the atmosphere. There are several factors which influence the environmental consequences of tropical peat especially in relation to climate change. The main influences are:(i) changes in temperature,(ii) changes in precipitation or rainfall,(iii) changes in atmospheric composition, and(iv) fire and haze. This paper is a brief review on these four influences in relation to climate change. It is apparent from the brief review that there is a need for continued short and long-term research to better understand tropical peats and how they affect our climate. This will hopefully provide the basis for predicting better what could happen under various scenarios.
基金This research was financially supported by the National Agency of Agricultural Research of the Czech Republic(Project No.QK22020008)the Technological Agency of the Czech Republic(Project No.TQ03000234)the Ministry of Agriculture(CR),institutional support MZERO0123.
文摘Globally,salinity is a brutal environmental constraint that poses a major threat to agriculture worldwide,causing nutrient imbalances and oxidative stress,leading to reduced crop yields and quality.Date palm waste from the agro-industry is a major environmental problem,but its conversion to biochar for soil amendment could help alleviate the effects of salinity stress.Pepper is a commonly grown horticultural crop that is sensitive to salinity.That’s why the current experiment was conducted with the novel idea of exploring the potential use of biochar-based fertilizer derived from date palm waste as a mitigation strategy for salinity-related problems in pepper.The study was conducted as a pot experiment in a growth chamber under controlled conditions.The experiment con-sisted of four treatment groups:Control(no salinity stress);BM350E(biochar application only);NaCl(salinity stress without biochar application);BM350E+NaCl(combined biochar and salinity stress application).The soil was amended with biochar at a concentration of 3 g kg^(-1) soil and pepper seedlings were exposed to salinity stress with 150 mM NaCl for seven days.The morphological,biochemical,and physiological responses were then eval-uated.The use of BM350E biochar significantly improved plant growth under saline conditions,increasing shoot fresh weight by 9.41%,root fresh weight by 15.32%,shoot length by 5.22%,and root length by 12.57%.It also increased chlorophyll a(Chl.a)by 8.28%,chlorophyll b(Chl.b)by 80.20%,and carotenoids(Car)by 52.43%while increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.In conclusion,BM350E biochar has the potential to effectively mitigate the negative effects of salinity on pepper growth.
基金Supported by Researchers Supporting Project Number(RSP2024R410)King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘Sprouts are ready-to-eat and are recognized worldwide as functional components of the human diet.Recent advances in innovative agricultural techniques could enable an increase in the production of healthy food.The use of light-emitting diode(LED)in indoor agricultural production could alter the biological feedback loop,increasing the functional benefits of plant foods such as wheat and lentil sprouts and promoting the bioavailability of nutrients.The effects of white(W),red(R),and blue(B)light were investigated on the growth parameters and nutritional value of wheat and lentil sprouts.In the laboratory,seeds were sown under three different LED treat-ments:white,red,and blue light,while normal incandescent light served as a control.Percentage seed germina-tion improved by 18.34%and 12.67%for wheat and 18.34%and 12.67%for lentil sprouts under LED treatments R and B,respectively.An increase in total soluble protein and sugar by 33.4%and 9.23%in wheat and by 31.5%and 5.87%in lentils was observed under the R LED treatment.Vitamin C concentrations in wheat and lentils were significantly increased by R LED compared to all other treatments.Other parameters,including potassium and sodium concentrations,were significantly increased under red and blue light compared to the control;white light,on the other hand,significantly decreased all these parameters.According to the experimental data,red and blue LED light could be beneficial in the production of functional wheat and lentil sprouts with high nutrient concentrations.
基金the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan
文摘Field experiments were conducted at Cereal Crops Research Institute, Pirsabak, Nowshera, Pakistan, during winter 2003～2004; 2004～2005 to evaluate the effect of nitrogen; sulfur levels; methods of nitrogen application on canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Bulbul-98) under rainfed conditions. Four levels of S (0, 10, 20,; 30 kg/ha); three levels of N (40, 60,; 80 kg/ha); a control treatment with both nutrients at zero level were included in the experiments. Sulfur levels were applied at sowing while N levels were applied by three methods (100% soil application, 90% soil+10% foliar application,; 80% soil +20% foliar application). The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block (RCB) design having four replications. Oil content increased significantly up to 20 kg S/ha but further increase in S level did not enhance oil content. Glucosinolate content increased from 13.6 to 24.6 μmol/g as S rate was increased from 0 to 30 kg/ha. Protein content increased from 22.4% to 23.2% as S rate was increased from 0 to 20 kg/ha. Oil content responded negatively to the increasing N levels. The highest N level resulted in the highest values for protein (23.5%); glucosinolate (19.9 μmol/g) contents. Methods of N application had no significant impact on any parameters under study.
基金ERASMUS+program and 774124-SUPER G(EU Horizon 2020)。
文摘Background:Selective grazing creates stable patches of contrasting sward height,thereby providing different growth conditions for the grass sward above and below ground and potentially affecting soil organic carbon(SOC)stocks.We hypothesized that the presence of patches leads to greater spatial variability in belowground biomass(BGB)and SOC stocks than occurs between pastures managed under different stocking intensities.Methods:A long-term grazing experiment consisting of three stocking intensities was used for this study.We studied BGB,SOC,and soil total nitrogen(Ntot)stocks in the 0-15 cm soil depth.Shannon diversity of plant species,soil bulk density,soil phosphorus,potassium,and magnesium contents were considered.Results:There were no significant effects of patch or stocking intensity on BGB,SOC,and Ntot stocks.Short patches had a greater Shannon diversity than tall patches(p<0.05)and plant-available nutrients in soil correlated positively with sward height(p<0.05).Conclusions:We conclude from the current results and previous studies that higher plant species diversity with lower soil nutrient contents in short-patch areas and higher nutrient contents together with light competition in tall-patch areas might balance each other out with respect to BGB and SOC stocks.
文摘After wheat,rice,maize,and barley,sorghum is the fifth most widely grown cereal on the planet.Due to its high production,drought resistance,and heat tolerance,this crop is replacing maize in some areas.Sorghum is available in a variety of colors,including cream,lemon-yellow,red,and even black.The principal grain anatomical components are pericarp,germ or embryo and endosperm.This review provides an overview of key sorghum grain components,including starches,fiber,proteins,lipids,and vitamins.Also,we summarized phenolic compounds,flavonoids,tannins,carotenoids,vitamin E,amines,Policosanols and Phytosterols in sorghum grains.Sorghum is used to manufacture bread and porridge,and it provides a significant source of energy and nutrition for humans;sorghum is extensively farmed for animal feed.However,because the natural components in sorghum are useful in the development of healthy and functional foods,sorghum farming for both biofuel production and human consumption is gaining popularity.Pigmented sorghum grain is high in antioxidants such as polyphenols,primarily tannins,which have a variety of health benefits,including antiproliferative properties linked to the prevention of certain cancers,antioxidant activities linked to the prevention of diseases linked to oxidative stress,and anti-inflammatory effects,as well as improving glucose metabolism.Because these chemicals cannot be assimilated,their application in the food business has been limited,as sorghum is regarded as a lownutritional grain due to the presence of anti-nutritional components such as strong tannins,which form complexes with proteins and iron,limiting their digestibility.This review aims to show the utilization of sorghum as a source of bioactive chemicals and the value they bestow on human health due to the general biological potential it possesses.
基金Raiganj University,IndiaInstituto Tecnológico de Sonora,México+7 种基金Campo Experimental Norman E.Borlaug-Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales,Agrícolas y Pecuarias(INIFAP),MéxicoUniversidad Nacional Experimental del Táchira,VenezuelaFederal University of Pernambuco,BrazilFederal University of Agriculture,NigeriaUniversity of Tabriz,IranIndian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR)-National Rice Research Institute for supportthe Government of West Bengal,India for the Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Ph.D.Scholarship(No.WBP191584588825)the Department of Science and Technology(DST),India for Inspire Fellowship(No.IF190457)。
文摘Various microorganisms live in association with different parts of plants and can be harmful,neutral,or beneficial to plant health.Some microbial inhabitants of plants can control plant diseases by contesting with,predating on,or antagonizing plant pathogens and by inducing systems for plant defense.A range of methods,including plant growth-promoting microorganisms(PGPMs)as biological control agents(BCAs)(BCA-PGPMs)are used for the biological management and control of plant pathogens.Some BCAs interact with plants by inducing resistance or priming plants without direct interaction with the pathogen.Other BCAs operate via nutrient competition or other mechanisms to modulate the growth conditions for the pathogen.Generally,PGPMs can be applied alone or together with other chemicals or carriers to control various crop diseases.This review highlights the effective types of BCA-PGPMs and their applications,roles,carrier based-formulations,and responses to rice(Oryza sativa L.)pathogens.Future plant disease management prospects are promising,and growers’increasing demand for BCA-PGPM products can be exploited as an effective approach to the management of plant diseases,as well as to improve yield,environmental protection,biological resources,and agricultural system sustainability.
基金co-financed by Greece and the European Union(European Regional Development Fund)in context“ResearcheCreateeInnovate”within the Operational Program(Competitiveness,Entrepreneurship and Innovation(ЕPАNЕΚ)of the NSRF 2014e2020,Project Code:Τ2ЕDΚ-02356).Acronym:InsectFeedAroma.
文摘The role of insects in animal nutrition has been reconsidered during recent years,paving the way for an increasing market for edible insects.Their protein and amino acid balance make them a promising source of protein for replacing high value proteins.Yellow mealworm,Tenebrio molitor L.(TM;Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae)larvae,have shown positive effects on broiler performance in several research studies and have a strong potential as a sustainable alternative protein source for monogastric animals.This study aimed to assess the effect of replacing various ratios of basal diets with T.molitor larvae on broiler performance as well as on several meat and welfare characteristics.For the study,120 one-day-old male chicks(Ross 308)were randomly allocated in 3 treatments and 4 replications(10 birds per pen).Birds of the control group(basal diet)were fed with typical commercial maize and soymeal-based rations in mash form.The other 2 groups were treated with the same diet,after replacing 5%and 10%with dried TM larvae,respectively.On d 35(end of trial),meat samples were collected and analysed.Body weight,feed intake,body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the periods of 1 to 10 d(starter period),11 to 24 d(grower period),25 to 35 d(finisher period)and 1 to 35 d(total period)were assessed.Podo-dermatitis,diarrhoea,feather score and litter conditions were also assessed during the trial.The results indicated that TM larvae inclusion in the broilers'diet positively affected body weight gain values,as well as the carcass yield,the meat composition and various welfare traits.Additionally,the dietary treatments with TM larvae favourably affected meat composition and colour parameters,whereas there were also some positive effects on lipid and protein oxidation.Saturated fatty acids were decreased by the dietary supplementation whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acids to SFA ratio increased.In general,the study showed that whole TM larvae addition can provide a promising alternative to soybean meal in the diet of broilers,demo
文摘Drought is a major production constraint for major fruits and vegetable crops in the tropics. This study was conducted to in- vestigate the effect of limited water supply at three growth stages （vegetative, flowering and fruiting） on the accumulation of proline and soluble sugars in three pepper species. Seeds of the three pepper species, Capsicum chinense Jacq., C. annuum L. and C. frutescens L. were raised in a nursery and the seedlings were transplanted into seventy two plastic pots arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates, 25 days after planting. Four water treatments, 200 mL of water supplied twice daily （W1）, once in every three days （W2）, once in every five days （W3）, and zero water supplied throughout growing period （W0） were imposed at three vegetative, flowering, and fruiting growth stages. Data were collected on relative water content, free proline and total soluble sugar. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using Duncan＇s multiple range test. Results show that the concentration ofproline and soluble sugar in leaves of the three pepper species were found to be remarkable at the different stages of growth in the stressed plants.
文摘Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) wastes produced by Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. fed Azolla, an aquatic atmospheric nitrogen fixing fern, was evaluated for 90 days in pond experiment. Six isonitrogenous (29.2% crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.9 Kj·g–1) diets A0, A10, A20, A30, A40 and A50, containing 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% of Azolla meal (AM) respectively, as partial fishmeal (FM) substitutes, was provided to experimental fish. The Azolla-free diet A0 served as a control. Fish specific growth rate (SGR) was higher with the control diet, the lower values being obtained in A50-fed fish (P Azolla could be used in diet to sustain Nile tilapia growth and as “environmentally-friendly” ingredient to limit P loss, while providing N to the field, beneficially in tropical marshland pond where this nutrient is already limiting.
基金Significant part of this research was co-financed by the European Union(European Social Fund-ESF)Greek national funds through the Operational Program ‘‘Education and Lifelong Learning’’ of the National Strategic Reference Framework(NSRF)--Research Funding Program:Thales.Investing in knowledge society through the European Social Fund
文摘Forest fire risk estimation constitutes an essential process to prevent high-intensity fires which are associated with severe implications to the natural and cultural environment. The primary aim of this research was to determine fire risk levels based on the local features of an island,namely, the impact of fuel structures, slope, aspects, as well as the impact of the road network and inhabited regions. The contribution of all the involved factors to forest fires ignition and behavior highlight certain regions which are highly vulnerable. In addition, the influence of both natural and anthropogenic factors to forest fire phenomena is explored. In this study, natural factors play a dominant role compared to anthropogenic factors. Hence essential preventative measures must focus on specific areas and established immediately. Indicative measures may include: the optimal allocation of watchtowers as well as the spatial optimization of mobile firefighting vehicles;and, forest fuel treatments in areas characterized by extremely high fire risk. The added value of this fire prediction tool is that it is highly flexible and could be adopted elsewhere with the necessary adjustments to local characteristics.
文摘Ecosystem disturbances, such as wildfires, are driving forces that determine ecology and conservation measures. Species respond differentially to wildfires, having diverse post-fire population evolution. This study reports, for first time, the responses of brown hare （Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778） to wildfires. Hare relative abundance, age ratio, diet quality, body condition, and diseases were studied. Fire influence on vegetation was calculated at a micro-scale level. Hare abundance was lower the first year after wildfires in burned relative to unburned areas. The reverse was found in the second year when hare abundance was higher in burned areas. Hare abundance in burned areas was also higher in the third and fourth years. In the fifth and sixth years after wildfire no significant difference was found in abundance. At a micro-scale level, higher numbers of hare feces were counted in places with greater wildfire influence on vegetation. Age ratio analysis revealed more juveniles in burned areas, but the same number of neonates in burned and unburned areas, indicating lower mortality of juveniles in burned areas. Reduced predation in burned areas pro- vides the most plausible explanation for our findings.
文摘Fruit extracts of indigenous Melia azedarach were tested for their insecticidal bioactivity against the tomato leafminer(Tuta absoluta)under laboratory conditions.Tomato plants were exposed to moths,after/before application of treatments.Treatments included:crushed fruit extracts of water(500,000 ppm and 200,000 ppm),methanol and ethyl acetate(200,000 ppm)with and without mineral oil(2%);M.azedarach powder extracts(2,000 ppm)in different solvents:water,methanol,ethanol,ethyl acetate,hexane and chloroform;biorational products:neem oil,mineral oil,micronized sulfur and thyme oil.The released moths were removed from treated/untreated plants at 72 h and effect of treatments on adults,eggs,larvae and pupae were recorded.Results indicated that sulfur caused the lowest number of live moths to be present on treated plants and was not significantly different in its effect from that of M.azedarach extracts and neem oil.Aqueous extracts without and with oil caused the highest%of dry eggs and were comparable to neem oil.Extracts in the two formulations(crushed fruits and/or powder)caused significant direct effects on immature instars:eggs,early larval instars and pupae.M.azedarach extracts and the tested products also caused indirect effect in form of significant decrease in number of developing the 3rd larval instars and new emerging moths compared to the control.Consecutive sprays of these extracts against eggs,larvae and pupae on same treated plants lead to very low number of moths for a second generation of the pest which contributes to low buildup of pest population in a tomato crop.
